Tag: Product Review

For both standard and non-standard doors, or doors with decorative door handles, you should consider adding a deadbolt-only smart device to the door to enable remote control and access. A smart deadbolt is simply a locking mechanism that fits into the existing deadbolt cut-out in your door, and connects to the internet to allow for remote access and programming.

Ring Motion-Activated Spotlight Camera The Ring Spotlight cam combines motion-activated security lighting with Wifi security camera. Similar to other Ring products, the Ring Spotlight Cam (Available on Amazon) is controlled and setup using the Ring mobile app, and can send push notification alerts to multiple...

Multisensor 6 Overview The Aeotec Multisensor (Available on Amazon) has six sensors combined into 1 small, 1.8" square plastic housing. When the Aeotech Multisensor is placed in a hallway or room, you can use the SmartThings app to monitor motion, humidity, temperature, light lux (brightness), UV,...

Once you've built your initial home automation network, you need to be able to control it! The default (and simplest) way to control Z-Wave and Zigbee devices is with a Samsung SmartThings hub. The SmartThings mobile app offers all of the basic functionality -...

Before you buy a Schlage door lock for yourself, it’s important to determine which of the three types you need: Schlage Touch, Schlage Connect, or Schlage Sense. If you're shopping for a smart door lock from Schlage, you've likely seen multiple product lines, and ultimately...

Schlage Smart Locks for SmartThings Security is a core component of any modern smart home, and ultimately smart home security boils down to access control. There are a number of ways to control ingress and egress through doors and windows, but the most popular consumer...

As you grow your home automation network, the need for triggers and automation using contact sensors becomes commonplace. There are a wide variety of options, but the Visionic sensor costs less than $20 online, which was the lowest priced SmartThings-native contact sensor (at time of...

As you work to make your dumb home smarter, you've probably thought about home security. The most common security system in the US is a hardwired, professionally installed system monitored by ADT. ADT monitoring can cost $60+ and doesn't include any additional services. With the...

Why You Need Infrared Illuminators Both digital and analog security cameras rely on infrared LEDs to illuminate the image when there’s no sunlight or external light source – it’s completely dark outside. Many cameras have infrared light to illuminate in darkness, but often the output...

This outlet controller from Zooz is natively compatible with SmartThings, which means no custom device handlers or coding is needed to get setup. Be sure to stand near your hub when pairing, otherwise installation is a breeze and takes less than 60 seconds!